Volcano spews kilometer-high ash cloud into the sky
Indonesia has around 130 active volcanoes. One of them has now erupted. A huge ash cloud and ash rain are temporarily darkening the sky in the surrounding area. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors. 70 hikers have to be brought to safety.
On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Marapi volcano has erupted and spewed an ash cloud around three kilometers high into the sky. The eruption occurred in the early afternoon local time, according to local authorities. There were initially no reports of casualties or damage. The authorities reportedly set up an exclusion zone of three kilometers around the crater.
The ash rain had reached the Agam district in the vicinity of the volcano. The sky there had temporarily darkened. Residents were asked to stay in their homes.
"Bisnis.com" reported, citing the West Sumatra Nature Conservation Authority, that there were 70 hikers on the fire mountain at the time of the eruption. Rescuers were deployed to bring them to safety. All hiking trails have been temporarily closed.
"Eruptions are still ongoing"
According to initial measurements, the 2981-metre-high volcano initially erupted for almost five minutes, said Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Management Authority. "Further eruptions are still ongoing," said Hendra Gunawan from the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). According to the center, Marapi's activity has increased since January. Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra.
On the Indonesian island of Java, there is a volcano with a very similar name: Merapi. It only erupted last March. Merapi, which is more than 2900 meters high, is a so-called stratovolcano. During an eruption, a dangerous mixture of dust, rock, lava and hot gas often rushes down the slopes at high speed.
The island nation of Indonesia lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on earth. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur more frequently along this belt. There are around 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
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The International Charter on Space and Major Disasters was activated due to the eruption of Marapi volcano in Indonesia. This charter enables the sharing of satellite data to support disaster management efforts.
Additionally, the Indonesian government has sought international assistance to monitor the situation and provide aid if necessary, recognizing the importance of global collaboration in managing volcanic crises.
Source: www.ntv.de
